Liverpool Hoteliers Association helps young people get into the hotel industry

By Stephen Darwin

Dec 17 2014 12:00AM

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In the hopes of providing essential industry experience to young people, Liverpool Hoteliers Association has joined forces with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and their IHG Academy programme.

As part of the Merseyside programme which has been running since January this year, more than 10 university graduates and students have gained work experience at Holiday Inn Express Albert Dock. During the recent work experience day three students underwent a series of skills development and hands on training to help improve their employment prospects.

Operating alongside South Liverpool employment and engagement specialists Jarvis Training Group, the unique work placement enabled young people to take part in real day-to-day hotel tasks, receive performance feedback and offer a recruitment discussion with the possibility of securing a job in an IHG hotel.

Member of Liverpool Hoteliers Association and General Manager of Holiday Inn Express Albert Dock, Helen Roberts, said: “The IHG Academy programme was set up to provide young individuals with much needed work experience and an insight into the hotel industry.

“As many students and young people find it hard to get a job without experience, the unique programme - which links up with local education providers and community organisations - results in participants’ job prospects being dramatically heightened.

“The scheme goes the extra mile in supporting young professionals by offering invaluable guidance and coaching, with the aim of gearing up participants for the fast paced industry, as well as sourcing new IHG recruits. Not only is this great for the young people, it also ensures that IHG have a pool of skilled, enthusiastic and motivated employees.”

Established in 2006, there are currently more than 300 IHG Academy programmes in 50 countries across the world. By 2017, IHG aims to provide 20,000 people with the opportunity to develop their skills and improve their employment prospects in hospitability through the IHG Academy.

Helen added: “Following the success of the most recent programme, which I was delighted to a part of, it gives me great pleasure to announce that Lucy Carey has been offered an apprenticeship with the Holiday Inn Express Albert Dock, meanwhile Zion Rodgers and Rachel Malony have both secured interviews within the industry.”

Lucy Carey said: “It has been educational getting an insight into all aspects of the job. I have liked doing different things and learning.”

Zion Rodgers said: “I didn’t have any work experience before today and have enjoyed the kitchen and bar experience I have gained.”

Rachel Malony said: “It’s been a great experience and would definitely do something like it again.”